Confession time about comps

I think the following thread from the Golden Touch Members-Only Private Website is a fun read. While my private, members-only paid website at www.goldentouchcraps.com deals with gambling, there are other enjoyable conversations as well. One of our members Carl started this thread.

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Carl: I have to confess that I do want comps and that sometimes I stay too long at the table and bet bigger than my bankroll in order to get them. I don't know what it is. I want the free rooms and whatever meals they will give me. How many of you honestly do the same thing? Are you willing to pay for your own room and food to bet the 100% proper GTC way? Or are you comp-conscious like me? Please tell the truth.

Douglas 1313: I don't play for the comps. I feel obligated to a casino when I take their "free" rooms and food. I prefer to be free to roam from casino to casino and play where I want without feeling obligated to any establishment.

ACPA: I take what I get, but don't believe I over play at one place to get comps. For instance, Sally and I both at various times had the equivalent of the Harrah's diamond card at several different Tunica casinos. [My wife] mostly plays VP and as casinos stopped offering the full play 9/6 JOB we stopped going to those casinos.

Larry M: I sometimes feel like a big shot when I get RFB but then I realize that is so stupid since they just want me to lose. So now I really fight the urge to want comps. I want to be like ACPA and just take what they give me.

The Engineer: I do not play for comps and nobody ever should. However I can say for a fact that in the last 18 months since I have been using the GTC [Golden Touch Craps] way of playing my comps have increased and my 401G [a gambling account] has also increased. The thing I have found that by using the 5-Count and not betting every random roller my time at the tables has increased thus more hours along with being on the good shooters and able to press bets up has made the difference. I have always had full RFB but the last four trips have now included air fare and upgraded room. Remember it is not only the size of the bet but the hours logged in that really make the difference. All of this with less money at risk because of the GTC methods.

Martin H: GTC is the best way to play and for that we have Frank's bringing all of the Captain's knowledge to us. I do sometimes also fall into the comp trap by playing just a little longer than I should. I do have to say that I am mostly a good boy!

Butcher: I don't play for comps since I am a low-limit bettor. I have noticed that the card from the casino I play the most is giving me more comps for time played than they used to. Of course I tip now so maybe that has something to do with it. Every once in a while I get a room comped and it's a nice surprise when it happens.

Yooow: I never play for anything but a shot at their money. I bet what I can, and I take what I can. If they want to give me something for that, so be it.

Caribbean Kid: I don't know if this helps or not but something I started to do is always try to look like a loser. As the game progresses I will slide larger chips into my pocket a little at time. This does two things for me: one - it acts like a stop loss and only allows me to play with the chips in front of me and when I run out I quit. Two - I make sure I always color up with less then I buy in with. So what if you go to the cashier with a lot of chips, they can count too. Besides the fact that coloring is just a way for the casino to see how much money is in your pocket. So as an example, if I normally buy in at $300, I will bump that to $500 and then put $200 in my pocket in the first 30 minutes. Then about every extra $100 I make I would slide that into my pocket too.

Alex: I don't play for comps but I get plenty and the 5-Count has given me more time at the table.

Cool Lady Pat: I love comps; I deserve them, I accept them. It's all about the money. If you're a winner, you don't have to give part of it back for expenses. If you lose a little, the comps bring you to a break-even point and if you break even, it's like a free vacation. AND, you really can play the same way. You don't have to play longer or higher than you usually do.

Brothelman: Comps suck; they are for the birds. I do not believe in them and they are a waste of time. I hate them even more when they get [a person] in the front of the line or in without a reservation or a room when they are overbooked or the NASCAR stuff; I just hate them.

Finisher: Save [the comps] for me when I come into town. Thanks and good rolling.

Nick-at-Night: I play the GTC way. The comps just follow. It is always nice to get RFB. Depends on how you use them. We eat at nice places in the evening, see a show or two, get the limos and other things. But I don't just play for comps. I play to be with friends and have fun even when we are not at the tables. The conversation with friends at the dinner table is the best comp of all. That's my two cents worth.

Not2Soon: I agree Nick; meals with friends are as good as the craps play.

Frank Scoblete: I play my normal way and I get what I get.

Missouri Rick: I once got half off of a free buffet - very nice!

The Usual Suspect: Rick that was just an appetizer for you. Semper Fi, carry on!

Section Eight: I play the GTC way and haven't had to pay for a room in years. I have paid the difference for upgrades to larger suites though.

Dr. Crapology: I am in the middle. I too like the comps but I would rather pay my way or it's the highway. If I get a comp - and you don't get if you don't ask - I take it but I can certainly pay for my own meals. My wife Alligator Rose and I eat very light and we don't eat fancy. So we don't need much anyway.

Dice Pilot: The last thing on my mind at the tables is comps. Always tip and keep your mind in the game. The comps will follow as your wins progress. The minute you start logging comp times or playing to the host's rules, the casino gains control.

Joey D: I won't change my play for them but do expect RFB and airfare if the casino wants my business. I'm working with an independent host these days so my recent play shows up in their "system" regardless if I want to go to a Harrah's property, MGM, Trump, etc.

JB: Well, considering I live in Florida, the comps are important to me, and I do play with comps in mind. The reason is this: For me considering there is NO place for me to play here in Florida, it helps a lot to get comped flights, rooms and meals. If I get the freebies I have a chance at winning money and making the trip more affordable. If I lose, it hurts less and I don't have to look at the expense of a trip as overhead. Most casinos want four hours of play per day. Using GTC methods helps get the play they want from you at the tables. Besides, most of us will spend four hours at the tables anyway.

There have been times I may pay my own way, it depends on the circumstances. But, just this last trip to A/C I had to pay for my Saturday room. I also paid for my flight on Spirit, about $90 each way. This was the first time I paid my own way since 2005, not bad considering money I've won with free trips and comps.

I love the high roller treatment, great shows, meals, etc. And the camaraderie of meeting [my GTC friends] makes it more enjoyable for me!

Dicelander: I try not to let the promise of comps influence where and how much to play. I don't like to feel obligated to a place just because they comp me. If necessary I will go outside the casino to get my lodging and meals to avoid this feeling (there is too much at stake at the tables compared to the cost of a hotel or dinner). Think about it.

Now I play the way I want to and know the comps will follow. I am glad that many properties are tied together with one comp system and I can stay at one place and play at another and feel like I am sort of holding up my end of the bargain. That is not to say I am opposed to single property companies that have favorable conditions. I call it "stay where I want to stay and play where I want to play."

I have mixed feelings about fluffed up big buy-ins to get the casino's attention. This can be good and bad. You may get the attention of a host but can bring on additional heat at the table or scrutiny at the cage at the same time. Plus you have to be disciplined about not exceeding your true bankroll betting.

It's ironic that the places I have gotten the most comps is where I win the most.

I think there is a saying something to the effect that you may get a free room but pay for the rest of the hotel at the table (not counting advantage play of course). The advantage player will turn comps into an additional advantage and not allow them to influence him/her in increasing exposure to negative expectation games/situations as the casinos would want. Think about what your comps are doing for or to you.